Scientists have created the first working nuclear clocks – devices that measure time by tracking the interaction between light and atomic nuclei, and which could potentially surpass atomic clocks in accuracy. This significant invention is expected to contribute to our understanding of dark matter and fundamental questions about the universe.
elchi reports that for over seventy years, atomic clocks, which measure time by tracking the transitions between electron energy levels, have been in use.
These clocks have enabled significant advancements in many fields, from GPS technology to experiments proving that time operates differently in various parts of space.
However, the newly developed nuclear clocks operate on the principle of tracking the interaction of light with atomic nuclei.
Since atomic nuclei are approximately 100,000 times smaller than atoms, they are less susceptible to external electric fields.
This characteristic makes nuclear clocks more reliable by overcoming the shortcomings related to external factors that can negatively affect the operation of atomic clocks.
Detection of Dark Matter
These newly developed clocks can be used to detect the presence of dark matter, the mysterious and invisible substance that makes up a large part of the universe.
Researchers state that this technology could play a crucial role in answering fundamental questions about the physical laws of the universe.
This work is based on a proposal put forth in 2003, which suggested that atomic nuclei could serve as a highly accurate tool for measuring time, and that the element thorium-229 could be used due to its low energy state that facilitates the tracking of transitions.
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Scientists Invent Entirely New Type of Clock
